I have a pre 64 70 standard that I had re bored to .35 Whelen some time ago. Long story short, I no longer enjoy shooting it. It's still as accurate as ever, but a shoulder/ neck/ back issue ensures that I get hurt when I shoot it. As I see it, I've got three possibilities:
1) cut the stock and install a pad. It's been refinished, so losing the originality of the stock isn't an issue. It'll still kick though.
2) buy a barrel in a smaller caliber. I have a decent line on an original .30-06 barrel, which is what the gun originally was. I have an 06 FWT that I really like.
Whatever barrel I'd put on, it will have to be the original profile, sights and all.
3) sell the gun and use the funds to buy a smaller caliber. I'm looking at a Bob or trying to find a .250-3000.
I'm leaning toward 2 or 3, but am looking for others thought. Some of you may have an argument for one way or another I haven't thought of. COAs 2 and three will free up a lot of Whelen reloading stuff for sale.
Thanks,
Old70
Firstly, understand that I'm totally biased here. If it were mine, I definitely WOULD NOT cut the stock down.
The previous owner of my Pre-64 did just that along with a few other "modifications". What an abortion!!!
I have a special love with the Pre-64 so I think I'd take it and get it re-barreled to either a .30-06 or,
my favorite, .270 Win. I'd try & get an exact replacement barrel including front and rear sights.
Although you already stated you have a .30-06, and the .270 is so close to it, I'd guess you could go to
something like a 7x57 as well.
Good luck on whatever you do but I do hope you keep it.
Bear in Fairbanks
